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The Good & True

The Good & True ...issue# 28...February, 2000

Associate Physician-in-Chief Wins
Prestigious 3M Teaching Fellowship

Dr. Herbert Ho Ping Kong has won a prestigious 1999 3M Teaching Fellowship Award in recognition of his major  contribution to teaching and learning at Canadian universities.
      The award is sponsored by the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education ( STLHE ) and 3M Canada. A selection committee chooses up to 10 fellows from a pool of 6B,00D eligible candidates teaching in the various disciplines at Canadian universities. Naturally, with such a large pool of potential winners, the  standards for the 3M Teaching Fellowship are extremely high, including a proven track record of teaching excellence and a commitment to improving university teaching.
      As Associate Physician-in-Chief and Director for Core Training in Internal Medicine at UHN and Coordinator for the University of Toronto Internal Medicine Training program, Dr. Ho Ping Kong has previously been recognized with several high-profile teaching awards. 

Distinguished old boy, Dr. Herbert Ho Ping Kong (2nd from right)  

      "I'm very excited to have won this award-not only for myself  but also for the other people I work with," he said. "You don't get this kind of recognition without the support of great colleagues. It is also a great honour for the hospital and the university. (think it's fair to say that all of the other Canadian universities look to us to set the standard for teaching in internal medicine. It's not (just because we're the largest medical school-we've also been leaders in educational innovation." 
      Among the innovations cited in Dr. Ho Ping Kong's nomination for the fellowship were: developing new curricula and methods for getting students involved in curriculum design; implementing important new teaching tools; and initiating formal evaluation processes for assessing the effectiveness of medical grand rounds and individual medical teaching units. He also has been credited with recruiting and mentoring many talented young teachers. 
      His personal evaluations by hundreds of undergraduate and postgraduate students also placed him in elite company as an educator who inspires both respect and admiration. This was summarized succinctly by one resident, who wrote: "Dr. Ho Ping Kong is what we aspire to become as general internists." 
      Dr. Ho Ping Kong credits his approach to his work overall with having made him a successful teacher. "I see myself as a physician first. A lot of good things have flowed out of trying to be the best physician I can be. 
      Beyond the personal recognition, Dr. Ho Ping Kong will take part in an exclusive three-day retreat with his co winners at Chateau Montebello, Quebec in November. "I'm really excited about having the chance to share ideas with teachers from other disciplines and institutions across Canada."

From Caring Together, a newsletter for and about the staff of University Health Network, Aug.16, 1999

Beyond Winchester Park

Fr. MacMullan

In the October 1999 weekend at the Campion Jesuit Centre was indeed a unique experience. In the beginning our visit was to thank the few remaining teachers, who during our few short years at St Georges College left a profound and everlasting impression on our lives. After three months of reflection, I have a better understanding of the important role the New England Province Jesuits played in the lives of so many generations of Jamaicans.
      The most memorable moment of our visit was Fr.Quinlan, Fr. O'Toole and Fr. Hosie leading us to those who preceded; there in the background amongst trees in their autumn glory, a crucifix; in the foreground, seemingly endless rows of headstones and in front three simple white crosses. On one...Fr. Joseph A. Riel SJ... I could picture fourth and fifth forms... The Merchant of Venice and Julius Caesar; on a headstone Fr. Gerard Bowman... although Dean of Discipline during my years at St. George's College, I can recall Fr. Gerry together with Fr. Ed Donahue at many a 'Chang clan' picnic even before I started prep school; Fr. Charles MacMullan... he handed over the Headmaster's office to Fr. Ed when I was in first form; Fr. Joseph Crowley... served in the parishes, was Father Superior and Rector of Campion College, and officiated at my wedding; there were so many more... Fr. Raymond Fox... I never knew him, but his picture is in my parent's album... why?... I was named in his memory.... Fr. Leo Butler... why did this name ring a bell?

Fr. Raymond Fox

Fr.Leo Butler

      It was 1929, my grandfather Joseph, who had emigrated from China to Jamaica twentyone years earlier was lust about making ends meet. The corner shop in Allman Town had to support nine children, including Edward the eldest son and three daughters in China. Then the Great Depression; as quickly as the stock market crash wiped out millions of dollars of wealth, the shop suddenly could not generate enough income. New income sources were necessary; expenses had to be eliminated or reduced.
      But what about Gladstone, my father? He was in first form at St. George's; school fees were out of the question. But there was Fr. Butler then Headmaster of St. George's College and who had worked in the Chinese community at St. Anthony's School on Orange Street. "Send your son to school, pay the fees when you can". And Gladstone did not disappoint; he completed the five forms in three and a half years and paved the way for his two younger brothers.
      Leonard continued his education at Holy Cross, graduating summa Cum laude, and Caltech, returning to Jamaica to design and build the Physics Lab at Winchester Park. Then followed Rufus who was on the Manning Team in 1941 and captained the team in 1942; this rounded out the first generation.

      The next generation, my generation, was to come. First Richard Dacca, Edward's son, followed by six more, including myself. Dacca's sons and finally his grandson, Rhys, continued the Chang tradition. All told, four generations covering over sixty years of St. George's College, not to mention several younger cousins who attended Campion College.
      But, there is more to the Jesuits than St. George's; many more served the community in parishes. Fr. Fox, the administrator of the cathedral, in the 1930's and 1940's, was instrumental in converting my parents to Catholicism. There was Fr. James Barry*, the first pastor of S.S.Peter and Paul, our family parish since the 1950's. Fr. Crowley, Uncle Fr. Joe, made it a point of visiting us in Toronto whenever he was on his way to Boston. Perhaps he knew I needed extra and continuing spiritual guidance. These are but a few that touched the lives of five generations of Changs.
      I am positive many more Jamaicans have been touched by these New England Province Jesuits who dedicated their whole being to God's service in Jamaica. Mere words cannot adequately express the contribution the Jesuits made to our spiritual and intellectual makeup. Most of us through our providential encounters with these men have come to realize that . . life is more than life itself... DEO GRATIAS.

Ray Chang

* Fr. Barry passed on in January 2000 

 The 150th Anniversary Opening Mass

At 4:00 p.m., Thursday afternoon, January 20, 2000, the organ began to fill the dome of the Cathedral on North Street with a sound that all Georgians are familiar with. Then the choir, comprised of about 50 strong voices, heralded in a long procession of people. First came two 6th formers, carrying a replica of St. George's headgear and breast plate, followed by pairs of other 6th farmers holding high above their heads, silky brightly coloured banners that wafted back and forth from a slight breeze within the Cathedral. The banners spelled out the names Campion, Regis, Loyala, Bellarmine and Xavier. Many old boys were seen with silly grins on their faces, painting at them memorably.

      Then came Archbishops Burke, Clarke and Carter four bishops, several priests, including Fathers Hosie and Quinlan. Former headmaster Hector Stephenson, and Van Hitchener the current headmaster, were behind the stream of white gowns that was headed for the altar followed by groups of other people connected to the school, in one form or another.
      The whole thing was rather moving.
      Archbishop Clarke said mass to an almost full Cathedral. Many of the College's students were there, so were several old boys and their wives. The Honorable Francis Tulloch, Minister of Tourism, and the Honourable Burchell Whiteman, Minister of Education, were present as well. Minister Whiteman, Mrs. Pamela Harrison, Principal, Wolmer's Girls' High School, Mr. Ivan Johnson, Principal, Kingston College, Mr. Macran Singh, Acting Principal, Alpha Academy, and the Reverend James Hayes, SJ., Special Assistant to the Provincial, New England Province, all offered greetings from their respective organizations. Archbishop Burke the homilist, touched on a bit of the school's history. Media flashbulbs clicked at almost a non-stop pace at any unusual movement in the room.
      But the highlight of the afternoon was the choir that sang old hymns, bringing back memories of epaulets, chewing gum, and Fridays. "Holy God We Praise Thy Name" held its rightful spot at the end of the event. The choir did a magnificent lob. The entire event was awesome. 
Heck!
This article does no justice to the event. You simply had to be there. 

Neil Dalhouse  

THE DEDICATION OF THE FR. QUINLAN BUILDING

 Friday January21 2000,1:00 pm., The Abe Issa Auditorium. Another bright, big sky day in the land of wood and water. The temperature was in the 8Os but it wasn't warm at all. The Jamaica Regiment Band offered a prelude of fine music before Deacon Ronnie Thwaites took to the pod um in the colleges auditorium as Master of Ceremonies. Standing tall behind the lectern, he was his usual self, capturing everyone's affection with every word he uttered.
           The opening prayer was said by Archbishop Edgerton Clarke, followed by Fr. Ted Dziak's (President and Chairman of the Board of Management of St. George's College) welcoming of guests. Then the St.G.C. choir led by Director Hugh Douse, Vice President, Student Affairs, sang the school song, which is a great new addition to the school's heritage. This fine group of singers proved to be just as good as their performance the previous evening at the Cathedral.
            Official event greetings were offered by Fr. James Webb, Mission Superior, Society of Jesus of Jamaica, followed by a Drama presentation of the History of St.George's College, wonderfully done by some of the school's drama students. The Honourable Francis Tulloch, Minister of Tourism, brought special greetings and well wishes from Prime Minster Patterson. Then the bongo drum group of 5 students moved onto the stage and began banging out a series of splendid movements of bongos, congas, and tumbas . Khalil Vereen, (son of well-known theatre and movie actor Ben Vereen) stole a thunderous applause from the room with his remarkable performance.
           Following this, Charles Williams, newly elected president of  the Old Boys' association and Locksley Todd, President of the Home School Association, brought additional greetings and well wishes from  their associations. Dr. Aggrey Irons was astounded by the eloquent  introduction given of him by the current 6th. form head boy, Azizi Seixas. Aggrey was so impressed he remarked that he had never before been given such a great introduction at any of his speaking engagements, and the good Lord knows Aggrey has had many a speaking engagement. Azizi was truly magnificent.
            Then came the moment everyone was waiting for. Ronnie called for Fr. Quinlan to lead a small group comprised of Archbishop Clarke, Fr.Dziak, and a few administration staff, through an honour guard of student cadets. Chests out, chins in, the gallant cadets in their sharp, crisp looking uniforms and shiny boots, certainly equaled the defined look of any of the school's cadet core of the 50's and 60's. As the small procession walked through the parallel honour guard over to the building that houses the Headmaster's office (the new to Fr. Quinlan building), one could sense that this was going to be a historic moment.
     Mrs. Monica Robinson, Director, continuing Education, St. George's College next led the Declaration of Dedication message, and after a short ceremonial walk that lasted all of about 60 seconds, Fr. Quinlan stood silent as Archbishop Clarke blessed the building. Suddenly, a loud fanfare of horns by the Jamaica Regiment Band signalled Fr.Quinlan to move into place, just in front of blue and white ribbons strung across the front door of the building. As his scissors sliced through the ribbons signifying the opening of the building, Fr.Q slowly released a glimmer of pride in a smile that erased the look of  total humility he was carrying previously.
            The current headmaster Van Hitchener next offered a vote of thanks to all who made the event possible, and Fr. Hosie said the final prayer bringing closure to a very wonderful and memorable day.
           This was the second moving event for the old school in 2 days. You had to be there to appreciate this one too.

Neil Dalhouse

 The Flame is still Burning at St.G.C.

 By Azizi Seixas, Head Boy

  A birthday is expected to be magnificent in its celebration, with the customary ritual of blowing out the candles on the cake  St. George's Birthday is no exception to the rule. However, this 150th celebration carried the motto "Rekindle Our Spirit to Ignite the next Generation".  So instead of blowing the candles, we relit them  It is totally impossible for external forces to extinguish the perpetual flame of true "Geogianism".  It is the flames of  loyalty, hope, pride and service by Georgians, which are contributing factors to the still flourishing community of St. George's College.
      And so too is another symbol, the school crest, illustrating the baffle between St. George and a dragon. According to historians, dragons are superstitious mythical animals that spout fire, an obvious biological hazard that could have scorched St. George. But due to St. George's loyalty, pride, hope and service, he was able to combat the ferocious attacks by the dragon, which if left uncontrolled, can be dangerous. These two symbols show the good and bad side of our flame.

Azizi Seixas,head boy chats with Michael Charley

Notwithstanding the lack of pool facilities, the Swimming team defied all the laws of science by achieving the title of the top boys swimming team n the country. Four national meets and they came in first in three, and only missing the last by seconds and arriving second. One school team remember, Locksley Todd, has made the national senior squad of eight (four of whom will go to the Olympics) while three others made the junior national team. St.G.C. even had its own martial arts expert as Lance Hewitt won a record three titles in the Miami Superstar Karate tournament. It is my strong belief that the rest of the sports teams will make us all proud as most of the sporting competitions are now in progress.
      Leadership in clubs and societies has 'skyrocketed' this year and several new clubs have been formed. These include the Sixth Form  Association, Heritage club and the St. George's Drummers. The Drummers appeared on the front page of the Gleaner during our 150th  celebration. Also formerly dormant clubs have come back to life including the ISCF the Drama Club, the melodious choir, and our talented School Challenge quiz club. Continuing their high level of membership are the Key Club, Cadets, Nutrition Club, Lance Committee, and Prefect bodies. Of these, the Nutrition Club, led by Vincent Micelle, just won several awards from Grace Kennedy for their talents in making exquisite tasting gourmet food and original beverages.
      Yet it has been the 150th Anniversary year activities that have been the most memorable this year. Students have a growing feeling of belonging to a community, and much of this is a result of the warmth presented to the students from the Old Boys. The Old Boys have given the students a feeling of prestige. Already there is anticipation from the students expressing how much they hope they will be able to be a part of St. George's Grand 200 year old Anniversary Celebration. Indeed St. George's is a blessing for all, as we rekindle our spirit to ignite the next generation. Not only are we planning to ignite St. George's but also champion the cause of true nationalistic patriotism.
      I pray to God that our flames will always be to the Greater Glory of God.

A.D.M.G.

 An Evening of Elegance

   Friday January 21 2000 700 pm   The ballroom of the Le Meridien Jamaica Pegasus Hotel was beautifully decorated by Frances Mais, Johnnie Mais wife. There was a huge painting of the O’Hare Building that had to beat least 8 feet tall x 15 feet wide against the north wall of the room, thanks to Joe Duhaney When you stepped into the room you knew that this was going to be an evening of elegance for sure. The place  began to fill up with dignitaries and old boys that hadn't seen each other  for years, resulting in copious hugs, hand shakes and a lot of well-meant back slaps.
Gussy Deleon, Calvin Bowen and Pancho Rankin, the 3 oldest old boys graduates stand in front the sculpture of St. George slaying the dragon. It was donated by the Chang Family.

      Then the clergy began to appear, Archbishops Carter, Burke and Clarke, and they too got their share of handshakes and hugs. Pretty soon, the room was filled with about 450 people, all listening to Keith Lyn's one-man show. Man, was he good. He played nothing but good old Glass Bucket music, and received a great ovation when he played "Empty Chair".
      At about 8:00 p.m., Paul Bitter, one of Jamaica's greatest MCs, officially began the proceedings with his humorous remarks, followed by Fr.Dziak's welcoming everyone. Archbishop Clarke said Grace, and a wonderful meal was had by all. Old Boy Ray Chang, who lives in Toronto, donated on behalf of the Chang family, a huge granite sculpture of St. George, slaying the dragon. The gift was so heavy; it took 3 people to lift. It was presented to Fr. Dziak by Ray's sister Thalia, and her husband Mike Lyn. This beautiful donation, I am told, will probably be  mounted in the wall of the chapel in the O'Hare building.
      Then the main event of the evening took place. One by one, Archbishop Larry Burke, Fathers Leo Quinlan, James Hosie, Kenneth Hughes, Messrs. Van Hitchener and Hector Stephenson came forward and received beautifully inscribed plaques for their service as headmasters of the school.
      The music of Byron Lee and the Dragonaires wailed on till 2:00 a.m. A highpoint of the evening was after the music stopped and the hotel staff began to clear the room of tables and chairs, a bunch of about 25 or so Old Boys, began chanting old school cheers, and singing school songs till the wee hours of the morning. One had to feel for the wives who were waiting patiently on chairs nearby, until their spouses became hoarse, dry and exhausted, before bowing out to go home. Another splendid event, and again you must had to be there to experience it. 

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